Monica Spear, a popular telenovela actress and former model, was shot and killed with her ex-husband during a highway robbery in Venezuela, police said Tuesday.

The actress, 29, appeared in several TV soaps, including Telemundo’s “Flor Salvaje” in 2011 and “Pasión Prohibida” last year.

“We are deeply saddened by the horrible crime that affected the beloved actress Monica Spear and her family,” Telemundo said in a statement. “Monica was not only a great professional as we saw in the two novelas she worked with us – but also an excellent person, always enthusiastic, full of strength and determination. We wish a quick recovery to her daughter and send our deepest condolences to her family.”

Spear was on vacation with her husband and daughter in Venezuela when they were both killed after their car broke down.

According to local police, the couple was in a small accident on the Valencia-Puerto Cabello highway that stranded their vehicle. Armed men approached the car and the couple locked themselves inside. The assailants then opened fire, injuring the child and killing the parents, police said.

Spear, who also appeared on “La Mujer Perfect” and “Mi Prima Ciela,” had been living in Miami since leaving the country in recent years due to the region’s growing violence.

Former co-star Jencarlos Canela confirmed the thesp’s passing on Twitter.

This tragic story makes me disgusted of the country i am from. how can people smile at the pain of others? and all of it just for money. this women was miss.venezuela for god sakes. i feel awful for the daughter because now that poor little girl has no parents and is probably traumatized for life. the men approached the car and shot the parents and her in the leg. how awful is that? i cannot believe a country can have so much hatred for others and all because they want money!!!! i find that awful because all she wanted to do was have a vacation in HER OWN COUNTRY for the holiday season. Nobody is safe in venezuela. the truth is hard to admit. rest in peace monica spears

d I will miss her very much. My favorite tevenovela that she performed in was PASION PROHIBIDA. I will keep her daughter that I can relate to her mother’s loss, Cause I also lost my mother to . Due to her illness. May God Bless You !!!!

I am deeply shocked to hear about the death of Monica and her Ex Husband. Especially about Monica , Spears she was a really great actress. And will be very missed alot. My condolences go out to her daughter . And especially her family an

Sadly ironic that Ms. Spear was murdered in Venezuela, after having moved away to the U.S. because of increasing violence in her homeland (Caracas possesses one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world).

This poor little family. To the mom and dad, may you rest in peace. To their daughter, deepest condolences.

This is so horrible. I pray that her daughter will recover physically and emotionally. The article does not mention if the murderers were apprehended, but I know they will face judgement for what they have done.